Goat Cheese And Honey: A Match Made In Heaven

Honey goat cheese is a versatile treat that can be used in a variety of dishes, from starters to desserts. It can be whipped up into a spread or dip, fried, or served as part of a cheeseboard. It pairs well with fruits like apples, strawberries, peaches, and mangoes, as well as nuts such as pistachios and almonds. Honey goat cheese can be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches, stuffed portobello mushrooms, or crostini. It can also be served with crackers, toast, or bagels, and goes well with wines like Sauvignon Blanc.

Honey goat cheese with crackers or toast

Simple Serving Suggestions

If you're looking for a quick and easy snack, simply spread the honey goat cheese onto crackers or toast and enjoy! You can also get creative with your choice of crackers – for a stronger crunch, try using La Panzanella Croccantini® Artisan Crackers. For a sweeter option, graham crackers or cookies can be a great choice.

Whipped Honey Goat Cheese Spread

For a fancier presentation, you can make a whipped honey goat cheese spread. To make this, add softened goat cheese, softened cream cheese, and honey to a bowl and mix until light and smooth. You can use a hand mixer for this step. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and garnish with fresh berries and mint. Serve it with crackers or bread on the side. This spread can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it.

Honey Goat Cheese Crostini

Crostini, which are essentially fancy toasts, can be a delicious way to enjoy honey goat cheese. To make these, slice a baguette into thick pieces and toast them in the oven until they are golden. Spread the honey goat cheese onto the crostini and top with your favourite toppings. Some suggested toppings include:

• Honey
• Fruit
• Nuts, such as shaved almonds or pistachios
• Balsamic reduction or glaze
• Prosciutto
• Arugula or other greens
• Apples

Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese with Honey

For a heartier option, you can make a grilled cheese sandwich with honey goat cheese. To make this, assemble two slices of thick, good-quality white bread (such as a French loaf) with crumbled goat cheese, shredded white cheddar or mozzarella, and a drizzle of honey. Butter the outside of the bread and cook the sandwich in a pan until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. For an extra touch of spice, you can add red pepper flakes to the butter while melting it.

Honey goat cheese with fruit

Fresh Fruit and Honey Goat Cheese Platter:

Create a beautiful and colourful platter by arranging fresh, seasonal fruit with honey goat cheese. Some great fruit options include strawberries, peaches, mangoes, blueberries, and blackberries. Drizzle the fruit with a balsamic reduction for an elegant touch. Serve this platter with crackers, bread, or crostini on the side.

Honey Goat Cheese with Dried Fruit and Nuts:

Combine honey goat cheese with dried fruit and nuts to create a delicious and crunchy appetizer. Chop up your favourite dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, dates, and pineapple. Mix them with nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Drizzle everything with honey and spoon the mixture over the goat cheese. Serve with crackers, pita chips, or sliced toasted baguette.

Goat Cheese and Honey Crostini:

Spread honey goat cheese onto crostini, which is sliced French bread toasted with olive oil. Top the crostini with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or peaches. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavour. This elegant and impressive appetizer is perfect for parties or gatherings.

Grilled Cheese with Honey and Fruit:

Create a unique grilled cheese sandwich by combining honey goat cheese, shredded white cheddar or mozzarella, and your choice of fruit. Try using sliced strawberries, peaches, or apples. Drizzle honey and sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese and fruit for an added kick. Grill the sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. This sweet and savoury grilled cheese is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Honey Goat Cheese Salad:

Add a fancy touch to your salad by including honey goat cheese. Top your favourite salad greens with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries, peaches, or apples. Crumble some honey goat cheese on top and drizzle with a light vinaigrette. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra crunch. This combination is perfect for a refreshing summer lunch.

Honey goat cheese with nuts

Appetizers and Snacks

Create bite-sized mouthfuls of soft honey goat cheese coated in nuts and dried fruits. This can be served as an appetizer or a unique dessert. Simply mix your favourite dried fruits and nuts with honey and spoon the mixture over creamy goat cheese. You can use a variety of nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans. For the dried fruits, consider using apricots, figs, cranberries, or dates.

Alternatively, you can make whipped goat cheese by blending honey and fresh herbs with the cheese until it becomes a creamy spread. This can be served with crackers, crostini, bagels, fruits, or vegetables.

Salads

Add honey goat cheese to a salad for a savoury option. Combine it with spinach, pecans, and berries, or other greens like kale, arugula, apples, and a light vinaigrette. You can also include roasted beets, shallots, and a balsamic drizzle.

Sandwiches

For a delicious sandwich, grill thick slices of good-quality white bread with crumbled goat cheese, shredded cheddar or mozzarella, and a generous drizzle of honey. You can also add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Main Courses

Honey goat cheese can be used in a variety of main courses. Stuff a pork tenderloin with sage, mushrooms, and spinach, or bake it into a savoury bread pudding. You can also make shakshuka by combining it with diced tomatoes, peppers, and eggs. For a vegetarian option, stuff portobello mushrooms with honey goat cheese and top them with roasted nuts.

Honey goat cheese grilled cheese

Ingredients

• Butter
• Thick, good-quality white bread (co: 2,3>crusty French loaf)
• Crumbled plain goat cheese
• Shredded white cheddar cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
• Liquid honey
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

• Melt butter in a large saucepan on medium-low heat with the red pepper flakes. This allows the butter to be infused with the spice from the flakes.
• Cook for about five minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
• Transfer the melted butter to a small bowl.
• Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to spread the butter on one side of both slices of bread.
• Heat the pan again over medium heat. Place one slice of bread, buttered-side down, into the pan.
• Add the crumbled goat cheese and shredded cheese to the bread, and drizzle with honey.
• Top with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up, to form the sandwich.
• Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt, and cook until the bread is toasted and golden brown, and the cheese is melted (about 5-7 minutes).
• Drizzle the top of the sandwich with more honey, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired.
• Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips

• If serving with tomato soup, you might only eat half the sandwich, dipping the rest into the soup.
• You can add other fillings such as tomatoes, apples, pickles, or jams.
• For meat eaters, you can add bacon or other grilled-cheese-friendly meats.
• To make the sandwich healthier, opt for whole grain bread, use less butter, and add vegetables like spinach or avocado.
• The sandwich can also be made in an oven or toaster oven. Toast the bread lightly first, then add the cheese and other ingredients, and broil until the cheese is melted and the top is golden.

Honey goat cheese in a salad

Honey goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious salads. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spinach, Pecan, and Berry Salad

Bread and fry the honey goat cheese to add some crunch to your salad. Combine spinach, pecans, and your choice of berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can also add other ingredients like shaved almonds or beetroot. For the dressing, a light vinaigrette or a balsamic reduction would pair well with the sweetness of the honey goat cheese.

Arugula and Apple Salad

Create a refreshing salad with arugula or other greens like curly kale, sliced apples, and toasted pecans or almonds. You can also add other ingredients like beets or carrots. For the dressing, a light vinaigrette or a simple drizzle of honey will complement the flavours well.

Roasted Peach Salad

For something a little different, try a roasted peach salad with chicken and honey goat cheese. The sweetness of the peaches and honey goat cheese will be a delicious combination. You can also add other ingredients like strawberries or blueberries. For a more substantial meal, serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad

This salad combines the earthy flavours of beetroot with the creamy, tangy honey goat cheese. You can roast or pickle the beetroot, or even try beetroot crisps for a crunchy texture. Add some greens like arugula or spinach, and maybe some nuts or seeds for extra crunch. A simple balsamic vinaigrette or a drizzle of honey will bring all the flavours together.

Salad with a Savoury Twist

If you want to balance the sweetness of the honey goat cheese, try adding some savoury ingredients to your salad. Crispy bacon, proscuitto, or grilled chicken are all great options. You can also experiment with different types of nuts and seeds, like pistachios or pumpkin seeds. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your favourite vegetables or proteins to create a hearty and flavourful salad.

Frequently asked questions